Wonder Wheel

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Wonder Wheel, Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
Coney Island, Brooklyn
New York, September 2007

“The Wonder Wheel was invented by Charles Herman and built between 1918 and 1920 by the Eccentric Ferris Wheel Company. The steel used in the construction of the pleasure wheel is of 100 percent Bethlehem Steel, and was forged on location. The Wheel opened on Memorial Day, 1920. There were 18 original co-owners of the ride. Herman called it the ‘Dip-the-Dip’ promising to combine in his new invention the thrill of a scenic railway, the fun of a Ferris wheel, and the excitement of the Chute-the-Chutes. An article written about the ride in Science and Invention said the Wheel was a ‘real thrill like you have probably never had before-at least not at this great height.’ Deno D. Vourderis bought the Wonder Wheel on June 7, 1983 from Fred Garms, the son of Charles Herman. The Vourderis family restored the Wheel to perfect condition and made the Wonder Wheel the central attraction of Deno's Wonder Wheel Park. In 1989 the Wheel was designated as an official New York City landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Since it opened over 35 million rides have been given on the Wheel.” (Wonder Wheel, Wikipedia)